分类： sports

The Eastern Football Association (EFA) 2025 season continues to showcase thrilling performances, with Malabar Youngstars leading the charge. On October 5, the defending champions delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Heatwave FC at the Arima Velodrome, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches. Midfielder Abraham Martin starred with a brace, supported by goals from Kendell Borneo, Jeromy Joseph, and veteran striker Ricardo John. Youngstars now sit comfortably atop Group A with 19 points, four points clear of CPC Athletic International Academy, who made a statement of their own with a 7-0 thrashing of SKHY FC. Malachi Woodley’s hat-trick led CPC’s dominant display, complemented by Isaiah Isaac’s brace and contributions from Koby Morin and Damon Sankar. Meanwhile, Athletic United secured a 6-1 win over La Horquetta XF, with Jeneke Danzell netting a hat-trick. In Group B, FC Maloney maintained their perfect record with a narrow win over Wallerfield United, while Eastern Connect FC stumbled with a 2-2 draw against Trincity Nationals. FC Porto Arima and CG Poseidon also secured victories, setting the stage for the upcoming “Big 8” knockout stage starting October 26. The EFA final on November 9 will crown the champions, who will take home a $15,000 prize.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force hopefuls faced a setback in their preparations for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament as rain disrupted the National Senior 50-Overs Cup matches on October 8. At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, the Scarlet Blazers were in a strong position against the Cocrico Warriors, posting 271 for five in 43.3 overs before the weather intervened. Key contributions came from Jeremy Solozano, who scored a solid 76 off 81 balls, and captain Joshua Da Silva, who retired hurt after a brisk 57 off 46 deliveries. Vikash Mohan also impressed with a half-century, scoring 51 off 50 balls. However, the Blazers’ innings was cut short, leaving their momentum incomplete. Meanwhile, at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, the match between the Soca Strikers and Steelpan Titans was entirely washed out. Both teams had previously secured victories on the opening day of the tournament on October 4. The final preliminary round matches are now scheduled for October 15, with the Titans set to face the Warriors at the NCC and the Blazers taking on the Strikers at the BLCA. These matches serve as crucial preparation for players aiming to secure spots in the Red Force squad for the upcoming Super50 tournament.

Rajendra Mangalie, the newly appointed chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s national selectors, has expressed confidence in the TT Red Force’s ability to clinch the Cricket West Indies (CWI) CG United Super50 Cup title. The tournament is set to commence in Trinidad this November, and Mangalie, a former opening batsman for Trinidad and Tobago, is optimistic about the team’s chances, particularly given their home advantage. Mangalie, who is joined on the selection committee by Frank Simmons, David Mohammed, Ricardo Paty, and head coach Rayad Emrit, emphasized the importance of assembling a balanced team to continue their proud record in the competition. The Red Force are the defending champions, having won the title in 2023 after a controversial finish last year saw the final forfeited by both Barbados Pride and Jamaica Scorpions. Mangalie highlighted the strong performances in the ongoing trial matches, noting the impressive contributions from players like Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Shaaron Lewis, and Tion Webster, who have already made their mark. He also praised the mix of youth and experience in the squad, which he believes will be crucial in maintaining their dominance in the limited-overs format. Despite the abundance of talent, Mangalie acknowledged the challenges of selecting the final squad but remains focused on giving Trinidad and Tobago the best chance to lift the trophy once more.

The inaugural RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament officially launched last weekend with a dynamic opening ceremony at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. This landmark event represents a significant investment in youth sports and education across the region, aiming to elevate school basketball and nurture athletic talent. Organized in collaboration with Next Level Performance (NLP) and the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA), the tournament features seven top college basketball programs competing over four weekends. Key stakeholders, including Garvin Warwick of NLP, Allison Bastian of TTSBA, and Marc Jardine of RBC, attended the ceremony. Jardine emphasized RBC’s commitment to fostering excellence and community development through sports, stating, ‘This tournament is a direct investment in the future leaders and athletes of TT.’ Warwick highlighted the event’s broader mission to showcase top talent and provide collegiate pathways for athletes. The opening day saw thrilling matchups, with St Mary’s College narrowly defeating Presentation 94-91, led by Nkobi Ince’s 33 points, and Fatima College dominating Holy Cross College 118-72, powered by Idriis Martin’s 26 points. The tournament continues with doubleheaders on October 11 and 12.

Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne is set to make his international debut for Trinidad and Tobago as the team prepares for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on October 10. The match, scheduled for 6 PM at the Bermuda National Stadium in Devonshire, marks a significant moment for Payne, who has chosen to represent the country of his father’s birth.

Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team, led by coach Dwight Yorke, is gearing up for a crucial match against Bermuda in the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US on the horizon, Yorke is confident his squad is ready to elevate their game and secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Currently, TT sits third in Group B with one point, trailing Jamaica (six points) and Curacao (four points). The team is eager to claim their first victory and goals in the final round when they face Bermuda on October 10 at the Bermuda National Stadium. Yorke, who assumed the coaching role in November 2024, emphasized the intense competition within the squad and expressed optimism about their progress. ‘This is my squad now,’ he stated, highlighting the team’s growing confidence and cohesion. The 26-man roster includes standout players like captain Kevin Molino, goalkeeper Denzil Smith, and forward Levi Garcia, alongside new additions such as Slovakia-based midfielder Molik Jesse Khan and Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne. Yorke stressed the importance of securing three points against Bermuda, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining focused on the immediate task. The team arrived in Bermuda on October 8 after an intense training camp in Miami, where Yorke and his staff worked diligently to prepare the squad for the upcoming matches. With the group stage’s top three teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup, TT is determined to make their mark and advance to the next stage of the competition.

India’s young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a masterclass on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, propelling his team to a commanding position at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 173 off 253 balls, guiding India to a formidable total of 318 for two by stumps on October 10. Jaiswal’s innings, studded with 22 boundaries, has put India in a dominant position as they aim to secure the series victory. The West Indies bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Jomel Warrican managing to claim two wickets. The visitors now face a daunting task to level the series after suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test. Jaiswal’s opening partner, KL Rahul, contributed 38 before being stumped off Warrican’s bowling. Sai Sudharsan, who joined Jaiswal at the crease, played a crucial knock of 87, forming a 193-run partnership for the second wicket. Despite falling short of a century, Sudharsan’s innings further solidified India’s stronghold. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20, ensuring no further loss of wickets before the close of play. The West Indies, who were outplayed in the first Test, will need a remarkable turnaround to challenge India’s dominance in this match.

The Tobago T10 Community Windball Championship witnessed thrilling quarterfinal clashes on October 5 at Parade Grounds in Bacolet, Tobago, with Patience Hill Mumbai emerging as the standout team. Continuing their flawless run, Patience Hill secured a resounding 79-run victory over Buccoo United, advancing to the semifinals in style. The team’s top-order batsmen delivered a masterclass, propelling them to an imposing total of 160 for nine. Opener Ancil Nedd set the tone with a quickfire 25 off 11 balls, while Daveon Shangie (78 off 25) and Olando James (45 off 14) combined for a crucial 91-run partnership. Despite losing partners regularly, Shangie’s explosive innings, featuring five fours and eight sixes, ensured a dominant score. Buccoo United struggled in reply, managing only 81 for seven, with Elton Cruickshank (3 for 18) and Alana Smith (2 for 14) leading Patience Hill’s bowling attack. In other matches, Kabs Solutions Roxborough Gunners overpowered Betsys Hope Scrape Up, posting 133 for three and restricting their opponents to 62 for nine. Jahron Alfred’s 61 off 22 balls, including eight sixes, was the highlight. Meanwhile, Jade Monkey Belle Garden Cuzins and Goodwood Knight Riders also secured semifinal berths, with Shane Ali’s unbeaten 46 and Keron McPherson’s all-round performance (57 not out and 2 for 13) proving decisive.